Thailand earned a 2-2 tie with Lebanon to clinch Asia's Group 5 title, closing out first-round Asian action in World Cup 2002 qualifying that stretched over almost seven months.
The following 10 teams advanced to the final round of Asian qualifying: Oman, Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, Thailand, Iraq, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, China and Saudi Arabia.
The final round consists of two groups of five. The two group winners automatically qualify for the World Cup finals.
The two group runners-up play off on a home-and-home series to qualify for a final playoff with a runner-up from the European qualifying competition.
The draw for the final round of Asian qualifying will be held Friday, June 1, in Bangkok.